Academic literature on the topic 'Across-country Genetic Evaluation'

This study assessed the feasibility of across-country genetic evaluation of dairy cattle in sub-Saharan Africa where data on livestock production are scarce. Genetic parameters were estimated for the 305-day milk yield in the first lactation and across five lactations, for age at first calving and for interval between first and second calving. Estimated breeding values of individual animals for these traits were calculated. There were records from 2 333, 25 208, and 5 929 Holstein cows in Kenya, South Africa, and Zimbabwe, and 898 and 65134 Jersey cows from Kenya and South Africa. Genetic gain from sire selection within and across countries. was predicted Genetic links between countries were determined from sires with daughters that had records in two or more countries, and from common ancestral sires across seven generations on both the maternal and paternal sides of the pedigree. Each country was treated as a trait in the across-country evaluation. The results showed that genetic variance and heritability were not always estimable within country, but were significantly different from zero in the across-country evaluation. In all three countries, there was greater genetic gain in all traits from an across-country genetic evaluation owing to greater accuracy of selection compared with within country. Kenya stood to benefit most from an across-country evaluation, followed by Zimbabwe, then South Africa. An across-country breeding programme using joint genetic evaluation would be feasible, provided that there were genetic links across countries, and would provide a platform for accelerated genetic progress through selection and germplasm exchange between sub-Saharan African countries.Keywords: across-country genetic evaluation, genetic connectedness, genetic progress

Abstract The breeding of sport horses to compete in show jumping is fast becoming a global industry with the increased use of reproductive technologies, including artificial insemination and embryo transfer, facilitating the dissemination of genetics from elite horses across multiple countries and breeds. Due to this increased level of crossbreeding, there is an increased need for estimate breeding values for sport horse performance that can be compared across breeds and countries. However, the implementation of a cross-breed or across-country genetic evaluations has been limited by the differences in individual breeding programs and genetic evaluations in each studbook. Consequently, the aim of this study was to compare the genetic evaluations for show jumping of sport horse studbooks worldwide. An email was sent to the studbooks included in the World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses Studbook Rankings for show jumping in 2019 to request information on their current breeding programs and genetic evaluations. Twenty-six of the 51 studbooks contacted replied to this request. Only 18 of these studbooks conducted their own genetic evaluations or were part of a larger genetic evaluation in their country of origin. Overall, many differences were identified among the genetic evaluations of each studbook or each country. The definition of show jumping performance differed within each evaluation and the methods and models utilized also differed (Table 1). Despite some stallions and mares being registered in multiple studbooks or having progeny in multiple studbooks, these differences make comparison of estimated breeding values across studbooks difficult. Further transparency and collaboration of sport horse studbooks with organizations such as Interstallion, will be essential to facilitate any future implementation of international genetic evaluations for show jumping performance.

Genetic evaluations have come a long way during the past decades, where the development and implementation of Best Linear Unbiased Prediction (BLUP) was undoubtedly the most notable achievement. The most important advances during the past 10 years were probably the direct use of test-day data in the BLUP model, ie. test-day models, the correction for heterogeneous within herd variances, multiple across country genetic evaluations (MACE), and the inclusion of more and more functional, and often difficult, traits in the evaluations. This paper will review the developments in test-day models, and the future of the genetic evaluations field, namely the inclusion of genomic information in the evaluations.

Objectives(1) To explore professional and lay stakeholder views on the design and delivery of services in the area of consanguinity and genetic risk. (2) To identify principles on which there is sufficient consensus to warrant inclusion in a national guidance document. (3) To highlight differences of opinion that necessitate dialogue. (4) To identify areas where further research or development work is needed to inform practical service approaches.DesignDelphi exercise. Three rounds and one consensus conference.SettingUK, national, web-based and face-to-face.ParticipantsRecruitment via email distribution lists and professional networks. 42 participants with varied professional and demographic backgrounds contributed to at least one round of the exercise. 29 people participated in statement ranking across both rounds 2 and 3.ResultsOver 700 individual statements were generated in round 1 and consolidated into 193 unique statements for ranking in round 2, with 60% achieving 80% or higher agreement. In round 3, 74% of statements achieved 80% or higher agreement. Consensus conference discussions resulted in a final set of 148 agreed statements, providing direction for both policy-makers and healthcare professionals. 13 general principles were agreed, with over 90% agreement on 12 of these. Remaining statements were organised into nine themes: national level leadership and coordination, local level leadership and coordination, training and competencies for healthcare and other professionals, genetic services, genetic literacy, primary care, referrals and coordination, monitoring and evaluation and research. Next steps and working groups were also identified.ConclusionsThere is high agreement among UK stakeholders on the general principles that should shape policy and practice responses in this area: equity of access, cultural competence, coordinated inter-agency working, co-design and empowerment and embedded evaluation. The need for strong national leadership to ensure more efficient sharing of knowledge and promotion of more equitable and consistent responses across the country is emphasised.

AbstractIn 2012, the American Heart Association and the American Academy of Paediatrics released a scientific statement with guidelines for the evaluation and management of the neurodevelopmental needs of children with CHD. Decades of outcome research now highlight a range of cognitive, learning, motor, and psychosocial vulnerabilities affecting individuals with CHD across the lifespan. The number of institutions with Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Follow-Up Programmes and services for CHD is growing worldwide. This manuscript provides an expanded set of neurodevelopmental evaluation strategies and considerations for professionals working with school-age children with CHD. Recommendations begin with the referral process and access to the evaluation, the importance of considering medical risk factors (e.g., genetic disorders, neuroimaging), and the initial clinical interview with the family. The neurodevelopmental evaluation should take into account both family and patient factors, including the child/family’s primary language, country of origin, and other cultural factors, as well as critical stages in development that place the child at higher risk. Domains of assessment are reviewed with emphasis on target areas in need of evaluation based on current outcome research with CHD. Finally, current recommendations are made for assessment batteries using a brief core battery and an extended comprehensive clinical battery. Consistent use of a recommended assessment battery will increase opportunities for research collaborations, and ultimately help improve the quality of care for families and children with CHD.

The Xpert® Xpress SARS-CoV-2 and Xpert® Xpress SARS-CoV-2/Flu/RSV tests were rapidly developed and widely used during the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic. In response to emerging genetic variability, a new SARS-CoV-2 target (RNA-dependent RNA-polymerase) has been added to both tests: Xpert® Xpress CoV-2 plus and Xpert® Xpress CoV-2/Flu/RSV plus test. A rapid evaluation of both tests was performed in South Africa, using residual respiratory specimens. Residual respiratory specimens (n = 125) were used to evaluate the Xpert® Xpress CoV-2 plus test and included 50 genotyped specimens. The Xpert® Xpress CoV-2/Flu/RSV plus test was assessed using 45 genotyped SARS-CoV-2 specimens, 10 influenza A, 10 influenza B and 20 respiratory syncytial virus specimens. Results were compared to in-country standard-of-care tests. Genotyped specimens tested the performance of the test under pressure from circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern. Reference material was included to assess the test limits and linearity. The Xpert® Xpress CoV-2 plus test performance compared to reference results across residual respiratory specimens was good (positive percentage agreement (PPA) = 95.2%, negative percentage agreement (NPA) = 95.0%) The Xpert® Xpress CoV-2/Flu/RSV plus test showed good performance across all residual respiratory specimens (PPA = 100%, NPA = 98.3%). All genotyped variants of concern were detected by both tests. The Xpert® Xpress CoV-2 plus and Xpert® Xpress CoV-2/Flu/RSV plus tests can be used to diagnose SARS-CoV-2, and to diagnose and differentiate SARS-CoV-2, influenza A, influenza B and respiratory syncytial virus, respectively. The NPA was lower than the recommended 99%, but was influenced by the low number of negative specimens tested. The variants of concern assessed did not affect test performance. It is recommended that sites perform their own assessments compared to in-country standard-of-care tests.

Drought is the major environmental factor limiting wheat production worldwide. Developing novel cultivars with greater drought tolerance is the most viable solution to ensure sustainable agricultural production and alleviating threats to food-security. Here we established a core-collection of landraces and modern durum wheat cultivars (WheatME, n = 36), from the Middle East region (Jordan, Palestine and Israel) aiming at unlocking the genetic and morpho-physiological adaptation to semi-arid environment conditions. Interestingly, genetic analysis of the WheatME core-collection could not distinguish the landraces according to their country of origin. Field-based evaluation of the core-collection conducted across range of contrasting environmental conditions: Til-Palestine, Bet-Dagan-Israel and Irbid-Jordan with annual precipitation of 500 mm, 360 mm and 315 mm, respectively. The Til environment showed highest grain yield while the Irbid environment showed the lowest values. Analysis of variance showed a significant Genotype × Environment interaction for plant phenology traits (plant height and heading date) and productivity traits (1000-kernel weight, and grain yield). Principal component analysis showed three main cultivar groups: High yielding lines (modern durum cultivars, and landraces), tall late flowering landraces, and landraces with high grain weight. This knowledge could serve as basis for future breeding efforts to develop new elite cultivars adapted to the Mediterranean Basin’s semi-arid conditions.

Food security is the crucial global issue, especially in developing countries like Pakistan. Since edible oil is an essential food item, its persistent paucity in the country and huge import for meeting domestic requirements, has attained it second largest import item after petroleum products. The aim of present study is qualitative and quantitative evaluation of newly developed short duration and drought tolerant canola quality Brassica juncea lines ZBJ-06012 and ZBJ-08051 to overcome the unfavorable edible oil situation in the country. Thirteen lines were evaluated in randomized complete block design (RCBD) for seed yield, oil quality, maturity period and drought tolerance under different agro-climatic zones both in irrigated and arid areas across the Punjab province at eight locations in Micro Yield Trials during Rabi season 2012-13 and 2013-14. Presently, grown non-canola mustard varieties Khanpur Raya and Anmol Raya were used as check varieties. Brassica napus cultivars Punjab canola and Faisal canola were also included in the trials for comparison study of mustard and rapeseed genotypes. Data for all traits under observation was analyzed through Principle Component Analysis (PCA) to evaluate the best performing lines in irrigated as well as in rain fed areas. Principal Component Analysis showed first 2 PCs having Eigen value >1 explaining 76.4% and 72% of the total variation at irrigated areas and rain fed areas respectively. The mean seed yield was also compared by Least Significant Difference (LSD) test to study the significance at 5% probability level. Canola quality B. juncea lines ZBJ-06012 and ZBJ-08051 have shown good adaptability, early maturity, non-shattering, disease and drought tolerance traits with high yield potential in comparison with presently grown Brassica napus cultivars ?Punjab Canola? and ?Faisal Canola?. Due to these prominent features, these lines have a great scope for motivating farmers to grow canola quality B. juncea when compared with B. napus and non-canola B. juncea. Future challenges demand further development of high yielding, short duration and aphid tolerant mustard cultivars having high oil content and canola quality. There is a great potential of exploiting genetic variability in the existing B. juncea material to achieve the aforesaid goals by using conventional plant breeding techniques.

Background:Amyloid A (AA) amyloidosis, previously known as secondary or reactive amyloidosis, is a long-recognized severe complication of some chronic inflammatory diseases. The pathogenesis and risk factors for amyloidosis in Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) remain partially understood (1). The development of AA amyloidosis is dependent on ethnicity and country of residence (2). In the pre-colchicine era, renal AA-amyloidosis was largely reported patients of Turkish (67%) and Sephardic Jewish ancestry (26.5%) (2,3). Currently it’s well known that the MEFV M694V variant associated with high risk of amyloidosis however, mutations on exon 2, specifically E148Q variant remained controversial.Objectives:To evaluate the E148Q mutation variant and concomitant AA Amyloidosis secondary to FMF after adjusted clinical-demographic characteristics.Methods:Patients were recruited from the renal unit at Epigenetic Health Center outpatient clinic in Turkey between September 2003 and February 2020. Patients who had biopsy confirmed FMF related AA amyloidosis were included the study. Tel-Hashomer criteria were applied in the diagnosis of FMF. The clinical characteristics of FMF patients and medication history were recorded by the physician at the time of registry entry. All patients had detailed baseline assessment of clinical features, renal functions, genetic testing, histopathological diagnosis of amyloidosis, and treatment received. We performed multiple comparisons according to the age of diagnosis, demographic features, disease phenotype, allele frequency, type of mutation and mortality. Statistical analysis was performed with Statistical Package of Social Science (SPSS) for Windows, version 15.0 (SPSS Inc, Chicago, IL).Results:Our registry consists of 195 patients with a diagnosis of AA amyloidosis. Complete information on 169 patients (lost to follow up, n=26) were included. The median age was 36 (19-49) years; male/female ratio was 1.6 (104/65). The median follow-up duration was 15.0 years (4-17 years). There were 101 patients diagnosed with FMF <18 years of age and 68 patients diagnosed ≥18 years of age. All participants developed renal amyloidosis before the age of 32 years. Family history of FMF was documented in 56 patients (33.1%) and family history of amyloidosis was present in 41 patients (24.3%). The three most common clinical symptoms were fever (84,6%), abdominal pain (71.6%) and arthritis (66.9%). During the follow-up, 5 patients started dialysis treatment and 9 patients had kidney transplantation. The most common allele frequency across patients was M694V (60.6%), E148Q (21.4%) and M680I (10.3%). The most frequent mutations were M694V/M694V (63.3%), M694V/E148Q (20.8%) and E148Q/E148Q (15.8%). During the follow up period, 15 patients (10 male, 5 female) died. In those that died, the mutations in 14 had M694V/M694Vand one demonstrated E148Q/E148Q.Conclusion:Patients with FMF related AA amyloidosis have an increased risk for mortality. This study confirmed the association between M694V and FMF-associated AA amyloidosis, which has been reported in many studies. Close clinical follow-up and further evaluation of patients with the E148Q mutation is warranted specifically if residing in FMF endemic areas. The possible relationship between E148Q and AA amyloidosis need to be confirmed in other cohorts.References:[1]Erer B, Demirkaya E, Ozen S, Kallinich T. What is the best acute phase reactant for familial Mediterranean fever follow-up and its role in the prediction of complications? A systematic review. Rheumatology international. 2016;36(4):483-7.[2]Touitou I, Sarkisian T, Medlej-Hashim M, Tunca M, Livneh A, Cattan D, et al. Country as the primary risk factor for renal amyloidosis in familial Mediterranean fever. Arthritis and rheumatism. 2007;56(5):1706-12.[3]Pras M, Bronshpigel N, Zemer D, Gafni J. Variable incidence of amyloidosis in familial Mediterranean fever among different ethnic groups. Johns Hopkins Med J. 1982;150(1):22-6.Disclosure of Interests:None declared

The main revenue source for beef cattle farmers is the price they are awarded for carcasses based on carcass value (i.e., carcass weight, conformation and fat score) which is influenced by genetic and environmental factors (e.g., herd management). In order to improve profitability, accurate means of evaluating and improving both sets of factors influencing carcass trait performance are necessary. This would entail optimal management of genetic resources and herd practices. Furthermore, access to a large international germplasm pool would facilitate faster genetic gain. The objective of this thesis was to generate tools for the enhancement of carcass trait genetic and herd management evaluations both at a national and international level. The data used in the thesis originated from the Irish and UK national cattle databases and consisted of 336,944 Irish and 147,876 UK cattle of multiple beef and dairy breeds from 9,572 Irish and 3,385 UK commercial herds. Livestock mature at different rates depending on a number of factors including the genetic background; therefore, the optimum age at which to slaughter the progeny of different sires may differ. Chapter 2 examined sire level genetic profiles for three carcass traits (carcass weight, conformation and fat score) in cattle using data from the Republic of Ireland. Variance components for each trait across age at slaughter were estimated using sire random regression models. Heritability estimates of carcass traits across ages at slaughter varied depending on gender (heifers, steers, young bulls) and the trait in question, and ranged from 0.08 (± 0.02) to 0.34 (± 0.02) for carcass weight, from 0.24 (± 0.02) to 0.42 (± 0.02) for conformation score and from 0.16 (± 0.03) to 0.40 (± 0.02) for fat score. Genetic correlations between traits across ages at slaughter were all significantly less than unity, indicating that different genetic mechanisms control these traits across life. The results from chapter 2 show that genetic variability in the progeny growth trajectory of sires exists and that this variability in the growth profiles of sires for carcass traits may be exploited in breeding programmes. As carcass traits are a function of both the genetics of the animal and the environment in which the animal is reared, chapter 3 aimed to quantify the contribution of the herd environment to the same three beef carcass traits, with particular emphasis on generating finishing herd-specific profiles for carcass traits across different ages at slaughter. The data analysed in chapter 3 was from animals slaughtered in UK abattoirs. Genetic and finishing-herd-year of slaughter parameters were generated using random regression analysis. Across slaughter age and gender, the proportion of phenotypic variance accounted for by finishing-herd-year of slaughter variance was between 30.83%-71.48% for carcass weight, 21.38%-26.29% for conformation score and between 10.88%-44.04% for fat score. These parameters indicate that the finishing herd environment is an at least equally important contributor to carcass trait variability as the genetic background of animals, and amenable to improvement with appropriate management practices. The final study of the thesis was to investigate the feasibility of across-country carcass trait genetic evaluations. Examination of the level of genetic connectedness between Ireland and the UK found 225 distinct bulls common to both countries. These common bulls were related to 80,707 Irish and 23,162 UK animals with carcass records in each population. Genetic correlations for carcass traits between Ireland and the UK were almost unity, ranging from 0.92 (± 0.31) for fat score to 0.96 (± 0.17) for carcass weight, indicating that the carcass traits recorded in both countries are genetically essentially equivalent. These strong genetic correlations between carcass traits in both countries enabled the direct pooling of carcass data for the purpose of across-country genetic evaluations (breeding value estimation). An increased rate of genetic gain for carcass traits per generation was predicted from across-country selection compared to within country selection ranging from 2% (conformation score in Ireland) to 33.77% (conformation score in the UK). This improved gain was primarily due to greater intensity of selection and somewhat more accurate estimated breeding values when carcass records and pedigree information from both countries were combined. The results presented in this thesis demonstrate that routinely collected abattoir data in Ireland and the UK can be exploited to produce additional selection and on-farm management tools. The results also show that access to across-country carcass trait genetic evaluations would allow UK and Irish beef farmers to make more informed decisions on the selection of seed stock needed to increase genetic gain and profits. Outcomes of this thesis pave the way to improvements in national carcass traits genetic evaluations in Ireland and the UK based on appropriate age at slaughter and also demonstrate the feasibility of across-country carcass trait genetic evaluations between Ireland and the UK. The scope for further areas of research includes the identification of specific management practices for optimal herd performance for carcass traits. Additionally, across-country carcass trait genetic evaluations based on random regression models across different ages at slaughter would also be of benefit to beef producers in Ireland and the UK. Finally, the viability of across-country genetic evaluations for additional carcass traits, such as carcass cut weights should be explored.

The Australian Catholic University (ACU National at www.acu.edu.au) is a public university funded by the Australian Government. There are six campuses across the country, located in Brisbane, Queensland; North Sydney, New South Wales; Strathfield, New South Wales; Canberra, Australian Capital Territory (ACT); Ballarat, Victoria; and Melbourne, Victoria. The university serves a total of approximately 27,000 students, including both full- and part-time students, and those enrolled in undergraduate and postgraduate studies. Through fostering and advancing knowledge in education, health, commerce, the humanities, science and technology, and the creative arts, ACU National seeks to make specific and targeted contributions to its local, national, and international communities. The university explicitly engages the social, ethical, and religious dimensions of the questions it faces in teaching, research, and service. In its endeavors, it is guided by a fundamental concern for social justice, equity, and inclusivity. The university is open to all, irrespective of religious belief or background. ACU National opened its doors in 1991 following the amalgamation of four Catholic tertiary institutions in eastern Australia. The institutions that merged to form the university had their origins in the mid-17th century when religious orders and institutes became involved in the preparation of teachers for Catholic schools and, later, nurses for Catholic hospitals. As a result of a series of amalgamations, relocations, transfers of responsibilities, and diocesan initiatives, more than twenty historical entities have contributed to the creation of ACU National. Today, ACU National operates within a rapidly changing educational and industrial context. Student numbers are increasing, areas of teaching and learning have changed and expanded, e-learning plays an important role, and there is greater emphasis on research. In its 2005–2009 Strategic Plan, the university commits to the adoption of quality teaching, an internationalized curriculum, as well as the cultivation of generic skills in students, to meet the challenges of the dynamic university and information environment (ACU National, 2008). The Graduate Diploma of Education (Secondary) Program at ACU Canberra Situated in Australia’s capital city, the Canberra campus is one of the smallest campuses of ACU National, where there are approximately 800 undergraduate and 200 postgraduate students studying to be primary or secondary school teachers through the School of Education (ACT). Other programs offered at this campus include nursing, theology, social work, arts, and religious education. A new model of pre-service secondary teacher education commenced with the introduction of the Graduate Diploma of Education (Secondary) program at this campus in 2005. It marked an innovative collaboration between the university and a cohort of experienced secondary school teachers in the ACT and its surrounding region. This partnership was forged to allow student teachers undertaking the program to be inducted into the teaching profession with the cooperation of leading practitioners from schools in and around the ACT. In the preparation of novices for the teaching profession, an enduring challenge is to create learning experiences capable of transforming practice, and to instill in the novices an array of professional skills, attributes, and competencies (Putnam & Borko, 2000). Another dimension of the beginning teacher experience is the need to bridge theory and practice, and to apply pedagogical content knowledge in real-life classroom practice. During the one-year Graduate Diploma program, the student teachers undertake two four-week block practicum placements, during which they have the opportunity to observe exemplary lessons, as well as to commence teaching. The goals of the practicum include improving participants’ access to innovative pedagogy and educational theory, helping them situate their own prior knowledge regarding pedagogy, and assisting them in reflecting on and evaluating their own practice. Each student teacher is paired with a more experienced teacher based at the school where he/she is placed, who serves as a supervisor and mentor. In 2007, a new dimension to the teaching practicum was added to facilitate online peer mentoring among the pre-service teachers at the Canberra campus of ACU National, and provide them with opportunities to reflect on teaching prior to entering full-time employment at a school. The creation of an online community to facilitate this mentorship and professional development process forms the context for the present case study. While on their practicum, students used social software in the form of collaborative web logging (blogging) and threaded voice discussion tools that were integrated into the university’s course management system (CMS), to share and reflect on their experiences, identify critical incidents, and invite comment on their responses and reactions from peers.

This paper aims to assess the relative competitiveness of the current fiscal terms in South East Asia in the context of changes proposed and implemented across the region. A discounted cash flow (DCF) analysis was carried out based on the generic fiscal terms of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam based on an offshore, shallow water development. Where applicable, a comparison will be made against the previous fiscal terms of the country. Analysis will focus on investor returns and from the host government perspective evaluating net present value (NPV), internal rate of return (IRR), and government take. The fiscal terms were also assessed on whether they are progressive or regressive and provide an equitable return to both investors and host governments. Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia have seen recent shifts in their fiscal terms with new terms introduced in 2017, 2018, and 2021, respectively. Indonesia saw the introduction of the Gross Split Production Sharing Contract (GS PSC), which based on this analysis does not appear to be an improvement on the previous Cost Recovery Production Sharing Contract (CR PSC). Thailand saw the introduction of a CR PSC which was applied to the two expired offshore, producing, blocks. Based on our analysis, the newly introduced fiscal terms for Malaysia appears to provide a significant improvement to the previous terms and is likely to encourage further investment. Governments and regulators will face greater pressure to provide further incentives and greater flexibility to attract investments in the face of maturing fields, marginal fields, challenging sour gas resources, and capital constraints resulting from and Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance (ESG) pressures on oil and gas companies.